Scammer poses as council worker to con businesses

Police in Lowestoft are warning businesses to stay vigilant after reports of the licensing scam

Businesses in Suffolk have been told to stay vigilant after multiple reports of a con artist posing as a council worker to carry out a licensing scam.

Police in Lowestoft said a man visited businesses in Ipswich and east Suffolk on at least three occasions in as many days.

Once inside he told proprietors that either their alcohol or music licence had expired and they needed to pay an annual fee of more than £200 for a 10-year deal, a spokesperson said.

"Stay vigilant to such a scam," they added.

According to Ipswich Borough Council, the person carrying out the scam has been using the name Matthew O'Donnell when asked for identification.

Councillor John Cook, the Labour portfolio holder for communities and sports, urged people to take precautions when sharing personal or financial information.

East Suffolk Council said it was aware of at least one proprietor being targeted by the scam in its district.

"Our licensing officers do not visit premises to obtain licensing fees and instead, reminder letters are sent requesting payment through the council's website," a spokesperson said.